the rapid production of clear and accurate designcalculations for reinforced concrete elements. Thecontents are intended to be sufficient to allow thedesign of low to medium-rise multi-storey concreteframed buildings.Spreadsheets allow users to gain experience by studyingadvantage; being close to the results probably is.Other benefits include quicker and more accuratereinforcement estimates, and the possibilities forelectronic data interchange (EDI). Standardised, or atleast rationalised, designs make the checking processeasier and quicker.Appropriate useIn its deliberations[9] the Standing Committee onStructural Safety (SCOSS) noted the increasinglywide-spread availability of computer programs andcircumstances in which their misuse could lead tounsafe structures.These circumstances include:�. People without adequate structural engineeringknowledge or training may carry out thestructural analysis.�. There may be communication gaps betweenthe design initiator, the computer programdeveloper and the user.�. A program may be used out of context.�. The checking process may not be sufficientlyfundamental.�. The limitations of the program may not besufficiently apparent to the user.�. For unusual structures, even experiencedengineers may not have the ability to spotweaknesses in programs for analysis and detailing.The committee’s report continued: “Spreadsheets are,in principle, no different from other software…” Withregard to these spreadsheets and this publication,The Concrete Centre hopes to have addressed morespecific concerns by demonstrating “clear evidence ofadequate verification” by documenting the principles,theory and algorithms used in the spreadsheets. Thespreadsheets have also had the benefit of the AdvisoryGroup’s overview and inputs. Many, especially thethemselves that the uses to which the spreadsheetsare put are appropriate.